Intrinsic spin Hall effect with spin-tensor-momentum coupling

Abstract We derive the spin continuity equation by using the Noether’s theorem. A new type of spin-tensor Hall current is found in the continuity equation. The spin-tensor Hall current is originating from the coupling of the spin-tensor and the momentum. The intrinsic spin Hall effect in the two-dimensional fermion model with the spin–orbit coupling and spin-tensor-momentum coupling is studied. The total spin Hall conductivity with the presence of the spin-tensor Hall current is calculated. The numerical results indicate that the total spin Hall conductivity is enhanced by the contribution of the spin-tensor-momentum coupling. The spin-tensor-momentum coupling may increase the spin transport in the intrinsic spin Hall effect.